As you may have heard, the results of the fourth WebAIM screen reader survey are now available. The survey provides valuable information on about screen reader users such as primary screen readers used, browsers used, and reasons for use.
WebAIM reports that problematic items have changed little over the last 2 years. The top ten are:
- The presence of inaccessible Flash content.
- CAPTCHA – images presenting text used to verify that you are a human user.
- Links or buttons that do not make sense.
- Images with missing or improper descriptions (alt text).
- Screens or parts of screens that change unexpectedly.
- Complex or difficult forms.
- Lack of keyboard accessibility.
- Missing or improper headings.
- Too many links or navigation items.
- Complex data tables.
Conclusions from the survey include:
- JAWS is still the primary screen reader, but usage continues to decrease as usage of NVDA and VoiceOver increases.
- The perception of accessibility of web content is decreasing.
- 72% of the respondents use a screen reader on a mobile device, up from only 12% three years ago.
- iOS device usage is significantly increasing and well above that of the standard population. Screen reader users represent a notable portion of the iOS device user market. Usage of Android devices is well below that of non-disabled users.
- The use of properly structured headings remains of great importance.
Here are a few great analyses of the survey:
- My Take on the WebAIM Survey (by @TerrillThompson) Highly recommended.
- WebAIM’s Survey: Headings Matter to Users of Assistive Technologies (by CommonLook)
- Free and Mobile Screen Readers on the Rise (Media Access Australia)